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Alabama's largest city is located in the middle part of the state where the upper coastal plains meet the foothills and ridges of the southern end of the Appalachians. Romantic getaways less than a two-hour drive from Birmingham include mountains and a lake to the north, some Old South and high culture to the south, and a pampering resort just minutes from the city.

Mentone

When you reach the town of Mentone on top of Lookout Mountain in northeast Alabama, 109 miles from Birmingham, you may think you've been transported to the late 19th century. The crossroads downtown area consists of a jumble of shops, restaurants and accommodations housed in historic buildings and rustic log cabins. Mentone Springs Hotel is the landmark structure in town, built in 1884 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The turreted clapboard hotel also has a restaurant on the premises. Scenic drives are abundant in the area; nearby Desoto Falls and Little River Canyon are two don't-miss spots to see natural beauty.

Ross Bridge

For a romantic getaway just outside the city limits, the resort community of Ross Bridge is located just over Red Mountain, 13 miles from downtown Birmingham. Ross Bridge is close to the city, but its position among the woodlands and lakes in the rolling hills between two mountain ridges make it seem like a bucolic country retreat. Once you check in at the Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa you won't have to worry about getting back in the car until you check out, as restaurants, a lounge and a coffee house are on site, and the resort is woven into the master-planned community of Ross Bridge with its Village Center a short stroll away from the hotel. The golf courses here are part of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail that snakes throughout the state.

Lake Guntersville

If staying in a mountaintop chalet overlooking a 69,000-acre lake sounds romantic, head to Lake Guntersville State Park 88 miles northeast of Birmingham. The chalets are located on Taylor Mountain inside the park and offer plenty of solitude to accompany magnificent views of the lake and surrounding Appalachians from wraparound porches; two of the chalets are dog-friendly. Other accommodations inside the park are a mountaintop lodge and, for those who prefer to be closer to the water, lakeside cabins. The park contains 36 miles of hiking trails, a beach area and a restaurant and a lounge. Nearby, the pretty downtown area of Guntersville sits on a peninsula jutting into the lake and contains many shopping and dining options. Guntersville is also a nice place to spend an afternoon leisurely strolling the picturesque streets and shoreline trails along the lake.

Montgomery

For a getaway filled with Old South charm, the state capital of Montgomery 92 miles south of Birmingham offers much more than government and historic sites. Hop aboard the "Harriott II" paddlewheel riverboat at Riverfront Park for a dinner or sightseeing cruise on the wide and winding Alabama river that flows through the city. Stroll along the Riverwalk at the park and take in an outdoor concert at the Riverwalk Amphitheater. The Alley is an entertainment district downtown located in a historic alley filled with bars and restaurants a short stroll away from Riverfront Park. Stay within walking distance at Red Bluff Cottage, a luxurious bed and breakfast on a bluff above the river next to downtown. In the evening, take in a show at the year-round Alabama Shakespeare Festival, the sixth largest Shakespeare festival in the world. The ASF also stages many classic non-Shakespearean plays.

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About the Author

Blake Guthrie covers travel, entertainment and outdoor recreation for many outlets, including the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he is a regular contributor. With years of experience as a professional cook, Guthrie also relishes writing about food and beverage topics. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in mass communications from Auburn University.

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